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Shaquille O'Neal has spoken out after viral claims suggested he sent explicit direct messages to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, firmly denying the allegations and dismissing the circulating screenshots as fake.
The controversy started when alleged messages, filled with explicit and over-the-top language, began making rounds on social media. The posts quickly picked up traction, with many users questioning whether they were real.
Addressing the situation on the March 20 episode of The Big Podcast, O'Neal made it clear he had nothing to do with them. "First of all, ladies, the Diesel got way more game than that," he said, referencing his nickname.
He then read parts of the alleged messages out loud, including, "'Damn, baby, I would keep your farts in a cologne bottle and spray it on me every day,'" and "'Just jokes, I'm Shaq. What's your name, baby?'" before continuing with more graphic lines linked to the viral screenshots.
By reading them himself, O'Neal seemed to underline just how unrealistic the messages sounded, distancing himself from both their tone and content.
He suggested the situation was likely driven by people chasing attention online, noting how some users focus on "the algorithm and going viral." He also pointed out how easy it has become to create and spread manipulated or AI-generated content, making it harder to tell what's real.
O'Neal added that he mainly uses social media for business and promotion. "Social media is a great way for you to gain business and for you to market and promote your business," he said, explaining that he uses it for music, content and other ventures. "That's what I use it for. Everyone has their own elaborate ways and schemes that they use social media platforms. I use it for music, I use it for my content and I use it for pretty much everything I have going on," he said.
This isn't the first time the former NBA star has had to address rumors about his personal life, and he has consistently pushed back against false claims.
Carpenter has not publicly responded to the situation.
